UK vows to defend nation after Iran warning over US bases

Britain's armed forces are prepared to defend the country against any external threat after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of possible action over the use of UK bases by US bombers, a government spokesperson has said.

The warning follows Britain's reaffirmation of an existing agreement allowing the United States to operate from British military bases as part of what London has described as the collective self-defence of the region, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

"Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK ⁠stands ready 24/7 to defend itself," the spokesperson said.

"This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our NATO allies," they added.

The Iranian warning came after Prime Minister Andy Burnham was informed last week that Britain would continue to honour the long-standing arrangement permitting US forces to use British bases.

On Wednesday, the UK government said the agreement covers US defensive operations aimed at degrading missile sites and capabilities used in attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to Tehran's warning, the spokesperson said the UK's position had not changed.

Britain remained committed to protecting "its people, interests and allies in accordance with international law while avoiding being drawn into a wider conflict," the spokesperson said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev